INDIAN ROCKS BEACH - Commissioner Jose Coppen has suggested that City Manager Al Grieshaber, who has given notice and is taking another job, end his employment with Indian Rocks Beach at the end of this month and save the city about $10,000.
Coppen put forth the idea at the City Commission meeting last week. "Given that December will be a slow month for city business and (Grieshaber) had finally secured a better paying job, I proposed what I thought would be a win-win opportunity: to accept his resignation and set November 30 as his last day in Indian Rocks Beach. Al could earn a higher salary and enjoy his newfound 'professional growth opportunity' sooner. At the same time, the city could save over $10,000 to be used for the search of a replacement," Coppen said.
Grieshaber evidently did not like the idea because Coppen said his remarks "prompted an agitated response" from Grieshaber. The commission voted, 4-1, to accept Grieshaber's resignation and set January 10, 2007 as his termination date.
Imposing an earlier date without Grieshaber's consent might have triggered a claim for severance obligations on the part of the city.
Grieshaber spent a good part of the past nine months since he was officially hired by Indian Rocks Beach searching for another job (which is not in accord with the ethical standards expressed by the International City Manager's Association of which Grieshaber is not a member).
As it is, Grieshaber came up with a very lucrative contract with Sun 'n Lake, a private community near Sebring. He will be its general manager which is private employment.
A newsletter published by Sun 'n Lake listed the provisions Grieshaber asked for and was granted in the contract. Among them are these -
Annual salary of $110,000 over two years with automatic renewal if both parties agree;
Vehicle, with insurance and operating costs paid and regular replacement of said vehicle;
Cell phone, laptop computer, printer and payment with all costs paid, plus repair and regular replacement;
Compensatory time off as Grieshaber shall deem appropriate;
Permission to engage in teaching during non-work time;
Paid travel and related expenses for short courses, institutes and seminars;
Relocation expenses of $12,500.00;
Allowance for temporary housing of up to $10,000.00.
The newsletter that reported the information on Grieshaber's contract also reported that one of the officials doing the hiring raised questions about what she considered the excessive terms of the contract.
The newsletter reported, "The only explanation she received was that this is what is required to get the quality GM we wanted."